Assistant Principal - Rutherford Public School

NSW Police Force; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 157,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford Public School in Newcastle, NSW, seeks an Assistant Principal to lead teaching and learning while maintaining a classroom role. You will drive school priorities, support student wellbeing, and collaborate with staff, families and communities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate educational leadership, strong curriculum knowledge, and the ability to coach colleagues to achieve improved student outcomes within an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice.
• Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs.
• Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exemplary teaching and collaborate with colleagues to drive school priorities.
• Balance the dual role of Assistant Principal and classroom teacher.
• Coach and mentor staff to build leadership capacity across the school.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum knowledge

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Resource planning

Aboriginal education policy

Education

Full approval to teach

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Principal - Rutherford Public School (0000BE2Q)

Assistant Principal - Rutherford Public School - 0000BE2Q

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Location

Central & North Coasts - Newcastle & Hunter Valley

Advertisement Number A900158913

Number of Positions

1

Total Remuneration Package: Remuneration package valued at $174,015. This position attracts a base salary of $153,531.00, plus leave loading and employer's contribution to superannuation.

School Name Rutherford Public School

FTE 1.000

Contact Phone number 4932 5900

Contact School Admin - 99999999

Closing Date

04-Nov-2026, 5:00:00 AM

Job Category

TCH Other

Organisation

Teaching Service

Position Information

Rutherford Public School (School No. 4561; FOEI 125, ICSEA 924) was established in 1985 on the land of the Wonnarua People. The school is a large regional primary school located within the Maitland Principal Network in the Regional North and West Education School Performance Directorate. In 2026 the school has an enrolment of 1035 students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. 21% of students identify as Aboriginal. The school maintains strong partnerships with the local Aboriginal community and works closely with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) to support cultural inclusion and student success.

Rutherford Public School has a strong tradition of providing high-quality programs in the creative arts, sport and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities. Student wellbeing practices are underpinned by the strong core values of respect, responsibility, personal best and safety. The school values community engagement and works closely with families through an active Parents and Citizens' Association. Rutherford Public School is also one of six schools within the Rutherford Learning Community, supporting collaboration and shared professional practice across local schools.

An extensive situational analysis was undertaken to inform the 2026-2029 School Excellence Plan. This analysis built upon the work of the previous school plan, which prioritised strengthening teacher professional learning and improving student engagement. Through analysis of internal and external data sources, two key strategic directions were identified: Student Growth and Attainment, and Student Wellbeing and Attendance.

Specific Selection Criteria

In addition to the general selection criteria, approval to teach infants and/or primary with the capacity to balance the dual role of Assistant Principal and classroom teacher, deliver exemplary teaching and collaborate with colleagues to drive school priorities and improve learning outcomes for all students. Proven experience in embedding whole-school approaches to student wellbeing that strengthen relationships with all stakeholders and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment. Demonstrated ability to build the capability and leadership of others through effective coaching and mentoring, including working side-by-side with colleagues and confidently navigating professional conversations.

General Selection Criteria

1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice 2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs 3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams 4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents 5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning 6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy

Conditions

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

Special Notes

Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage .

We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.